Geography

Study contemporary issues in relation to physical, human and environmental themes. In the first year, you will study several topics designed to enable you to examine your role in society and the natural environment. In Human Geography you will consider the role of space, place and social inequality in contemporary Britain as well as the geography of disease and health. In Physical Geography you will study coastal processes and management and start to investigate tectonic hazards (this topic continues into the second year). Fieldwork is an integral part of the course which will enable you to conduct the data collection necessary to write the 3,000 word geographical investigation required for the course. In the second year, global topics will be examined within the themes of life support systems (including hydrological, carbon and fragile ecosystems) and international connections of trade, development, power and governance. Geographical skills underpin all areas of the subject and are integrated throughout the course.

What skills will I develop?

You will develop a thorough understanding of key human and physical geographical concepts in an exciting and innovative new syllabus.

You will develop the clarity of your oral and written discussion through extensive practice of analysis and evaluation.

You will develop your quantitative and qualitative research skills through fieldwork and primary data collection.

You will have the opportunity to pursue an individual area of interest and develop your independent study skills through the geographical investigation element of the course.

Ultimately, you will develop the analytical and investigative skills which are highly valued by employers.

Section A: Geographical investigation relating to any part of the specification

Where does the course lead?

The skills developed through the collection and interpretation of information, team working and IT are valuable in careers such as finance, insurance and business. For Geography graduates, surveying, town planning, landscape architecture, international trade and marketing are popular careers.